Kansas education board to review fingerprinting teachers

The Kansas State Board of Education is expected to receive a draft regulation this week that eventually could lead to all teachers in the state being forced to submit fingerprint cards and undergo background checks when renewing their licenses.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports all new teachers have been required since 2002 to submit fingerprint cards and undergo background checks before receiving their initial license. But Education Department officials say up to 35,000 practicing teachers who started working before that never had to provide fingerprint cards.

Lawrence Superintendent Rick Doll told the state board last month that teachers see the proposed requirements as a personal affront.